Christopher Wheeldon takes on Shakespeare's late romance and 'Problem Play' with grace in this ballet adaptation. A psychological drama with a happy ending, it examines the all-consuming effect of jealousy, and the unintended consequences it can have on those around you.

The final work of composer and librettist Leos Janacek, this dark and atmospheric opera is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, describing his life in a Siberian gulag. Marking its premiere at the Royal Opera House, this production is helmed by the talented Polish director Krzysztof Warlikowski, the creator and artistic director of Nowy Teatr (New Theatre) in Warsaw. This opera has been updated to take place in modern times, allowing audiences to empathise with the inmates from a contemporary perspective.

Marking the 25th anniversary of British choreographer and Ballet dancer Kenneth Macmillan's death, The Royal Opera House revive one of his greatest masterpieces, Manon. Considered a great modern masterpiece Manon tells the story of a forbidden romance and family betrayal.

As with most of Shostakovich's works, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk suffered strict censorship from the Stalinist regime. A roaring success when it premiered in 1934, just two years later it was buried under political disapproval. The persecuted composer's work now stands as a testament to his latent operatic genius, celebrated in Richard Jones' thrilling production which returns to the Royal Opera House after a rapturous debut in 2004.

From the writers of Written on Skin comes a new dramatic opera, making its world premiere debut in 2018 at the Royal Opera House. Created by composer George Benjamin and playwright Martin Crimp, Lessons marks the third collaboration between the two eminent British artists, and explores the story of a troubled king who is forced to choose between politics and love. Seemingly damned whatever path he chooses, his decisions have a calamitous effect on his nation, which descends into civil war and on his family, whereby his wife and son turn against him.

Royal Opera House

Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD

Year opened: 1858

Capacity: 2256

Merchandise booths

Disabled access

In-house bar

Coat check

The Royal Opera House is a large performing arts centre and opera house in Covent Garden. The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House are based at the venue. For its first hundred years, the venue was mainly used as a playhouse, until 1734 when ballets were held there, and shortly after, operas. The main auditorium in the Royal Opera House is a Grade I listed building.

About London Theatreland: We are an independent show guide with no affiliation to any venue or show. Some of the tickets offered for sale are resale tickets that may be priced above or below face value.

Spread the word

Sound good to you? Share this page on social media and let your friends know about it.

Keep up to date

Please prove you are not a robot

Please note: The term Royal Opera House as well as all associated graphics, logos, and/or other trademarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the Royal Opera House and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. We are in no way associated with or authorized by the Royal Opera House and neither that entity nor any of its affiliates have licensed or endorsed us to sell tickets, goods and or services in conjunction with their events.